Ridley Studios | school of performing arts

Ridley Studios opened in 1955 for the teaching of Speech and Drama by Peggy Batchelor, named so after Professor Frank Ridley, her teacher at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Soon classes in Music and Dance followed.

The Timetable was extended in the early 80’s by the then Principal Ailsa Owen who encouraged the learning of Drama, Dance and Music to all whom sought tuition, and so was born a venue for the teaching of Performing Arts to children and adults.

The Studios honours its past Principals by offering two Scholarships The Peggy Batchelor Scholarship for Acting and the Ailsa Owen Scholarship for Musical Theatre.

The Studios has a large and extensive library of scripts, scores and reference books along with costumes props and scenery. The Studios shall be celebrating its 60th birthday soon and, therefore, has a strong standing reputation within the community as well as a long alumnus whom has been or still are current in the performing arts industry today.